Public Statements

Press Release

Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO) today joined with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, to introduce the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act (ISTCA). This legislation will establish a body at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to make certain that international science and technology strategy across American agencies is coordinated. The bill would strengthen U.S. science and technology enterprise, improve economic and national security and support U.S. foreign policy goals.

"International science and technology cooperation promotes the national security and economic competitiveness of the United States," said Rep. Carnahan. "Forging networks abroad helps the United States and its partners find technical solutions to key global challenges, promotes economic development at home, promotes American values, and protects our national security by contributing to the long-term stability of countries vulnerable to terrorist influence."

The ISTCA is endorsed by The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and CRDF Global, an independent nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration.

"As scientific issues become ever more global, it is essential for the United States to develop a coherent approach to addressing scientific challenges and opportunities," said Vaughan Turekian, AAAS chief international officer and director of the Center for Science Diplomacy. "Legislation such as this would provide one way to help the government organize around those efforts. Science is an area that has always had the strong support of both major U.S. political parties. It is particularly encouraging to see that international science cooperation is being reaffirmed by Congress as well as the Administration."

Last Congress, the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009 passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 341-52. This legislation will improve U.S. participation in international science and technology cooperation, ensure more efficient use of resources, and help the U.S. maintain its leadership in the global science arena, while creating NO additional spending.

"As an organization that facilitates international science and technology, CRDF Global works closely with thousands of scientists and scores of U.S. government agencies and laboratories," said CRDF Global President and CEO Cathy Campbell. "We believe the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act is a solid, bipartisan approach to establish greater strategic impact, improve coordination across agencies, maximize limited resources and increase efficiencies."